Canes nab Gulliver linebacker

Gulliver Prep linebacker Brandon Marti has decided to switch his commitment from Wisconsin to the University of Miami. Marti, 6-foot, 196-pounds, called linebackers coach Michael Barrow moments ago to inform him of the news.

"I always said that if the Canes came around, I'd always have to give them a shot," Marti said. "I've always wanted to stay home and play for Miami. So, today, was just the day I made it official."

Marti becomes the sixth linebacker to commit to the Hurricanes, joining Dunnellon High's Lerentee McCray, Memphis' Antonio Harper, Homestead's Marcus Robinson, Northwestern's Sean Spence and Chaminade linebacker Jordan Futch. He is considered a two-star athlete by Rivals.com. This season, he led Gulliver in tackles and to the first round of the playoffs.

He said he would like to play weakside linebacker, a spot he played in Gulliver's final few games this season.

"I know a lot of those guys and I'm not afraid of coming in and competing," said Marti, who said he plans to enroll at UM in January and compete for playing in the spring. "I played with Marcus at Hammocks. I feel its going to be a great class and I'm definitely excited about joining it.

"My plan is to come in and get in the rotation and definitely start on special teams."

Marti is the 22nd player to commit to the program since last summer. The Hurricanes will also be receiving visits from highly-touted linebackers Arthur Brown and current N.C. State commitment Colby Jackson in the near future. Miami is looking to sign between 6 to 7 linebackers this fall.

McCray, 6-2, 200, and a 4-star rivals recruit, is the one linebacker many recruiting experts expect to Miami to lose before National Signing Day in February.